who are the characters in casino based on

Table of Contents

1. Overview of Casino Characters

2. Main Characters in Casino

- Sam "Ace" Rothstein

- Nicky Santoro

- Frank "Lefty" Diamond

- Ginger McKee

- Anton Chigurh

- Lester Diamond

- Virgil "The Turk" Sollozzo

- Shapiro

- Ginger's Mother

- Sam's Girlfriend

3. Characters Based on Real-Life Individuals

4. The Influence of Character Development on the Plot

5. Conclusion

1. Overview of Casino Characters

Casino, directed by Martin Scorsese and released in 1995, is a film that delves into the world of organized crime and high-stakes gambling in Las Vegas. The movie is filled with a variety of complex characters, each with their own motivations and backstories. This article aims to explore the characters in Casino and discuss their roles in the film.

2. Main Characters in Casino

Casino introduces a range of characters, some of whom are fictional and others based on real-life individuals. Below is an overview of the main characters:

Sam "Ace" Rothstein

Sam Rothstein is the protagonist of the film and is portrayed by Robert De Niro. He is a shrewd businessman who is sent to Las Vegas to oversee the operations of the Tangiers Casino. Rothstein is a complex character, known for his intelligence, charm, and loyalty.

Nicky Santoro

Nicky Santoro is a mobster portrayed by Joe Pesci. He is known for his intimidating presence and is often seen as a antagonist in the film. Santoro's past as a hitman is a central aspect of his character, and his relationship with Rothstein is a central theme of the movie.

Frank "Lefty" Diamond

Frank Diamond is a mob boss portrayed by Tom Sizemore. He is known for his ruthless nature and is often at odds with Rothstein. Diamond represents the power and influence of organized crime in Las Vegas.

Ginger McKee

Ginger McKee is a singer portrayed by Sharon Stone. She is involved with both Rothstein and Santoro, making her a pivotal character in the film. Ginger's complex relationships with the men in her life add depth to the story.

Anton Chigurh

Anton Chigurh is a character portrayed by Javier Bardem. He is a hitman who becomes entangled in the lives of the other characters. Chigurh's calm and calculating nature make him a formidable opponent for the other characters.

Lester Diamond

Lester Diamond is the son of Frank Diamond and is portrayed by Vincent Piazza. He is a younger mobster who has aspirations of taking over the family business. Lester's character adds a sense of generational conflict to the film.

Virgil "The Turk" Sollozzo

Virgil Sollozzo is a drug dealer portrayed by Paul Sorvino. He seeks to partner with the mob to sell drugs in Las Vegas. Sollozzo's involvement with the characters is a catalyst for much of the tension in the film.

Shapiro

Shapiro is a Jewish mobster portrayed by Don Rickles. He is known for his sense of humor and is often seen as a foil to the more menacing characters in the film.

Ginger's Mother

Ginger's Mother is portrayed by Ellen Barkin. She is Ginger's mother and is known for her strong-willed and independent nature. Ginger's Mother's relationship with her daughter is a central theme in the film.

Sam's Girlfriend

Sam's Girlfriend is portrayed by Blythe Danner. She is Sam's lover and is known for her intelligence and supportiveness. Sam's Girlfriend's character adds a sense of normalcy to the film's intense atmosphere.

3. Characters Based on Real-Life Individuals

Several characters in Casino are based on real-life individuals. For instance, Sam Rothstein is said to be inspired by Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal, a real-life mobster who ran the Stardust Casino in Las Vegas. Similarly, Anton Chigurh is based on Charles Harrelson, a real-life hitman.

4. The Influence of Character Development on the Plot

The development of the characters in Casino is crucial to the film's plot. The complex relationships between the characters create tension and conflict, which drives the story forward. The characters' individual motivations and backgrounds contribute to the film's atmosphere of suspense and danger.

5. Conclusion

Casino is a film that is rich in characters, each with their own unique qualities and motivations. The film's intricate character development adds depth to the story and helps to create a compelling narrative. By examining the characters and their relationships, we gain a better understanding of the themes and messages of the film.

Questions and Answers

1. Q: Who is Sam "Ace" Rothstein?

A: Sam "Ace" Rothstein is the protagonist of Casino, portrayed by Robert De Niro. He is a shrewd businessman sent to Las Vegas to oversee the operations of the Tangiers Casino.

2. Q: Is Nicky Santoro based on a real-life individual?

A: Yes, Nicky Santoro is based on Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal, a real-life mobster who ran the Stardust Casino in Las Vegas.

3. Q: What role does Ginger McKee play in the film?

A: Ginger McKee is a singer portrayed by Sharon Stone. She is involved with both Sam Rothstein and Nicky Santoro, adding complexity to the film's relationships.

4. Q: Who is the antagonist in Casino?

A: The antagonist in Casino is Nicky Santoro, portrayed by Joe Pesci. He is known for his intimidating presence and his past as a hitman.

5. Q: What is the significance of Anton Chigurh in the film?

A: Anton Chigurh, portrayed by Javier Bardem, is a hitman who becomes entangled in the lives of the other characters. His calm and calculating nature add suspense to the film.

6. Q: How does Frank "Lefty" Diamond influence the plot?

A: Frank "Lefty" Diamond, portrayed by Tom Sizemore, represents the power and influence of organized crime in Las Vegas. His interactions with Sam Rothstein and other characters create tension and conflict.

7. Q: Is Ginger's Mother a significant character in the film?

A: Yes, Ginger's Mother, portrayed by Ellen Barkin, is a significant character. Her strong-willed and independent nature adds depth to the film's relationships and themes.

8. Q: What is the relationship between Sam Rothstein and his girlfriend?

A: Sam Rothstein's girlfriend, portrayed by Blythe Danner, is a central character in the film. Her intelligence and supportiveness add a sense of normalcy to the intense atmosphere of Casino.

9. Q: How do the characters' relationships contribute to the plot?

A: The characters' relationships create tension and conflict, which drives the story forward. The complex dynamics between the characters add depth to the film's atmosphere of suspense and danger.

10. Q: What is the influence of character development on the film's themes?

A: Character development in Casino adds depth to the film's themes, such as the corrupting influence of power, the dangers of organized crime, and the struggle for identity and belonging.